Alberta-based meat packers and feedyard owners are voicing concerns about the ongoing blockade to protest COVID-19 restrictions at the Coutts, AB/Sweet Grass, MT border crossing. We've talked to numerous sources in the meatpacking and cattle feeding sector to get a handle on the issues that are arising as a result of the Coutts crossing remaining... Read More
Category: Western Canada
The federal government has put out a call for nominations for an advisory committee within the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, in a move that CropLife Canada says creates redundancy in the pest product approval process and could detract from the science-based system. CropLife says that it supports "an independent, science-based and transparent pesticide risk assessment... Read More
The federal agriculture minister remains fully committed to her government's cross-border vaccination mandate for truck drivers, despite pressure from some industry groups and provinces to loosen the requirement to reduce the impact it's having on specific supply chains. While there's been much discussion about the direct effect the mandate could potentially have on grocery prices,... Read More
The RCMP has issued a travel advisory in regards to the Coutts, Alta., border crossing. Protesters, demonstrating against federal vaccine mandates, began a blockade at the crossing on January 29, 2022. The RCMP says it is looking to get the border crossing up and running as soon as possible. The crossing is a busy one... Read More
Five federal ministers hosted a National Supply Chain Summit January 31st to discuss the challenges facing Canada's supply chain and to identify potential solutions to ensure that what Canadians need reach their households as quickly as possible. Participants for this initial event included representation of Canadian organizations including business associations, manufacturers, exporters associations, as well... Read More
About a year after #buttergate took social media and mainstream media by storm, the working group tasked with investigating the issue has provided its conclusions and recommendations. It's unfortunate we can't go back in time and track the fatty acid profile of milk, says working group chair and president of Lactanet, Daniel Lefebvre, but we... Read More
This editorial was first published on Breaking the Box blog As an advisor with Emmertech, a Saskatchewan-based ag-tech accelerator and venture fund, I get to see the latest ideas and proposed solutions entrepreneurs are pitching to industry. It’s exciting to see companies from all across Canada vying for funding and the chance to locate and... Read More
The conversation surrounding supply chains and transportation have been plentiful as of late, and coming up on the list of things to watch is the National Supply Chain Summit. On January 31, the Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra is hosting a trade summit, with the participation of five other ministers, including Minister of Agriculture and... Read More
The Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) passed a resolution to pursue a farmer plebiscite to amalgamate with Alberta Barley at their annual general meeting (AGM) January 26. Alberta Barley passed a similar resolution during their AGM in Banff last month, giving the two commissions the ability to conduct a farmer plebiscite on the future of the... Read More
The Pest Management Regulatory Agency will house a new science advisory committee on pest control products. The Government of Canada has launched a call for nominations for the committee. Those who serve will be expected to "provide advice, as appropriate, prior to certain evidence-based federal decisions on pesticides, including on maximum residue limits." In addition,... Read More